Wednesday, January 22, 2014

What happens in 1 year? A lot! Yesterday we celebrated 1 year with Eli and cannot believe how much this sweet little boy has grown. When he was placed in our arms that January day, he was sick, very malnourished and had no light in his eyes. He was timid and scared and did not smile or cry for a few days. I can only imagine what was going on in his mind. Who are these strange people? Where am I? What is going on? What are they saying?
In 1 year, he has learned to walk, run, jump and do all of the things a toddler should. He has grown taller and gained 15 pounds (he LOVES food)! He started preschool and is in the process of potty training (and is doing great). He has charmed just about everyone he meets. He has gone from a baby bed to a big boy bed. His speech has exploded recently and he has started talking in full sentences. He announces "Home!" whenever we pull into our neighborhood. He has a special bond with each of his siblings. He loves to play anything his sister asks of him, including dress up. He enjoys snuggling with Keenan and he loves being Aidan's buddy. They adore him and I sometimes wonder what we would have done without him in our lives. The answer is always, "I can't even imagine!" He brings so much joy and laughter to our family. He is rarely upset (unless you tell him "no" to food). He likes playing with cars, trucks, trains ... and has quite the imagination. He has the sweetest manners and is always saying thank-you and giving kisses when he knows someone is upset. He is also mischievous and knows how to get out of being in trouble by flashing that precious smile which makes his eyes twinkle. He does the cutest things like fake snoring as soon as you put him down to bed. And he has the best belly laugh ever! He is such a blessing to us all. We are so grateful to be his parents. He may not have been born to us but he was definitely born in our hearts. Adoption rocks! We love you Eli!

We celebrated by eating some great American-Chinese food. Here are some pics from our celebration ...

Sunday, January 5, 2014

We are now a few days into 2014 and I have to say, I am so excited to see what this year will bring! I have also been reflecting on 2013 and unlike some years where I am ready to see them end, 2013 was a great year for us. The year started off with a wonderful trip to China to bring Eli home. I can't express enough how this little man is not the same little boy that was handed to us on that January day. Eli is so full of joy and life and love. There is not an hour that goes by that he does not make us smile.

This year also brought a lot of time with family and friends, birthday parties, trips to Milwaukee, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, Cedar Point, Hocking Hills and soccer, soccer, soccer. Catching up with some pictures ...

All 4 kiddos at Hocking Hills ... such a beautiful place and a favorite place for us to visit in the fall.﻿

Halloween, TinkerBell and an Ape who quickly got the hang of asking for candy.

Bella and her cousin Addyson having some girl time - love their smiles!

Fall Fun﻿

Lakota Futbol Club - tournament runner-up﻿

The holidays were extra special for us this year since it was Eli's first Christmas. He woke up Christmas morning and was so excited when he saw a car under the tree that he knew was for him. He came running into our bedroom saying, "Mom! Car! Mom! Car! Mom, new Car!!!" Priceless. His speech has just been coming so quickly and is getting more clear all of the time. He could have cared less for the other presents under the tree. He just wanted to drive his new wheels.

Love these two - they have such giving hearts. They could not wait to give each other the gifts they picked out and bought.

The Fam

Welcome

Welcome to our blog. We are the Garland family. Michael, Heather, Aidan (12), Keenan (9), Isabella (8) and Eli (3). We brought Isabella home in August of 2009, and Eli home in February 2013. We hope you enjoy our journey as a family of 6!

Aidan

Keenan

Bella

Eli

Our four blessings

Timeline

February 15: Apply to CCAI;
February 16: Apply to FAC (homestudy agency);
May 24: Received Final Homestudy;
May 25: Sent I800A application to USCIS;
July 11: USCIS Approval;
July 20: DTC;
July 24: LID;
August 9: LOI submitted to China, Eli's file locked!!;
August 17: Pre-approval from China;
September 19: Out of Translation;
November 1: LOA;
November 21: USCIS Provisional 800 Approval;
December 18: Article 5 issued;
January 9: Travel Approval!;
January 21: Eli in our arms forever!!